WREXHAM-based small charity The Rainbow Centre has been announced as a Runner-Up of the national FSI Small Charity Big Impact Awards, among stiff competition from hundreds of other small charities.

The Rainbow Centre was established in 1994 in Penley after their founder was diagnosed with cancer and finding that the rural area had no local support groups. Their mission is to promote health and wellbeing, to help older people to regain their sense of worth, and to provide access to support, services and facilities that can empower people of all ages to retain as much independence as possible within their locality.

The Centre is a hub of activity providing day opportunities, community classes, community transport, a café and much more. They also provide Social Prescribing services in GP surgeries across Wrexham and Community Outreach support.

Caroline Tudor-James, Chief Officer at the Rainbow Centre said: "We are delighted to gain recognition for the work we do, our services make a real difference to local peoples lives so it’s great to be acknowledged nationally."

Pauline Broomhead CBE, CEO of the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI), the charity behind the Small Charity Big Impact Awards said: "Small charities do amazing work, often having an impact far beyond their size, yet they often don’t receive the recognition and celebration they deserve.

"We are thrilled to award The Rainbow Centre this prize and congratulate them on their amazing work."

In addition to winning the 2019 award, the organisation will also benefit from a short film produced to help promote the charity's work, and impact.

Zoe Darrah, Marketing Co-ordinator at Policy Bee, the sponsor of the awards said: "Without the tireless hard work of small charities and community groups, many people in the UK would be considerably worse off.

"As most of these organisations don’t get anything like the recognition they deserve, a glittering awards ceremony that sings their praises can only be a good thing.

"If it were up to us, they’d all get a prize – as it is we’re just pleased to support this good cause for good causes."

The FSI Small Charity Big Impact Awards are a way to highlight the work of small charities (those with a turnover under £1 million) and the impact they make on a local, national and international level.

For more information on the charity visit www.rainbowcentrepenley.org.uk